Eliminating indecision helps Jets' Smith take step forward

Monday

Dec 9, 2013 at 2:00 AM

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Geno Smith has fulfilled two key requirements of an NFL quarterback no matter how you view his rookie season. He has shown an ability to respond to adversity. He repeatedly has taken a heavy dose of blame for the Jets' woes.

KEVIN GLEASON

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Geno Smith has fulfilled two key requirements of an NFL quarterback no matter how you view his rookie season. He has shown an ability to respond to adversity. He repeatedly has taken a heavy dose of blame for the Jets' woes.

So, it wasn't very surprising that even in victory Sunday, Smith noted his struggles as a major part of the Jets' three-game losing streak. This time, Smith played a huge part in the Jets breaking the skid with a 37-27 win versus the Raiders at MetLife Stadium.

Asked about the difference in the team's play, Smith didn't mince words. "I think the difference was just eliminating the indecision in my game," he said. "A lot of things are happening to me for the first time. That's not to make an excuse. But sometimes I second-guess myself and that always hurts, especially a quarterback."

Smith spent the practice week working hard on correcting his common mistakes, namely releasing passes quickly and making fast decisions. He still had moments when he settled for his first read, but Smith made the right call on most occasions.

"I tried to practice this week at getting the ball out of my hands quick if it's there," Smith said, "seeing all the guys, seeing the guys get open and if not, extending plays (by) using my legs, picking up first downs and just playing smart, just not being indecisive."

Tight end Kellen Winslow said he thought Smith was a more confident quarterback Sunday. "I feel like we were in a rhythm today, you know," he said. "Maybe it's because we went to some no-huddle; I don't know."

Winslow expressed caution in overreacting to the win. "It says a little bit, but it's really one win and really not that big of a deal. We gotta keep going."

"I think Geno did a great job of showing up and leaving everything in the past," guard Willie Colon said. "I think he showed up running the huddle. He trusted his instincts and he made big plays. That's what we need from him."

Colon and teammates thought the Jets took a firm stand during practice this week. There seemed to be a greater focus and sense of urgency. Colon said head coach Rex Ryan was encouraged by the team's preparation because "we as players said, 'Enough is enough'. We have to practice harder; we have to execute harder. We're out of lifelines. We have to execute and we have to get it done. Today was the first step."

Running back Chris Ivory, who had another fine day with 76 hard-earned yards on 18 carries, talked about his 15-yard touchdown run in which he broke four tackles and carried a Raider into the end zone. Yet, he sounded just as proud of recovering his own fumble in the fourth quarter.

"They were bending my fingers back and I was just squeezing my hardest," he said. "Both of us jumped on it at the same time. He had part of the ball and I had part of the ball."